Pittsfield repaving list released

PITTSFIELD -- The city plans to double its street re paving effort by spending $4.8 million to smooth out 31 local roadways over the next 12 months.

First and Tyler streets along with a section of Hancock Road, highlight the list of thoroughfares scheduled for resurfacing in the current fiscal year, which began July 1.

The work scheduled is begin in two weeks and last through early next summer, according to Mayor Daniel L. Bianchi.

Under Mayor James Ru berto in fiscal 2012, Pittsfield spent $2.5 million to repave 15 streets -- the majority of the money spent on Holmes Road and Williams Street.

Pittsfield’s street repaving program is funded through a combination of local taxpayer dollars and Chapter 90 money from the state.

Bianchi said the upcoming projects will be done in groups and in earnest.

"A lot of the streets are clustered so they are done at once saving money on time and staging the work sites," he said. "We’re also very sensitive to the weather and want to avoid a late season push that could lead to less-than-stellar re paved roads."

Bianchi noted that Hancock Road, from North Street to Peck’s Road, will be the most extensive project as a water main issue must be addressed, before that part of Hancock is resurfaced.

Ward 4 Councilor Chris topher J. Connell, who chairs the council’s Public Works and Utilities Committee, welcomes the city accelerating its road work in fiscal 2013.

"Obviously we need to work on our infrastructure," he said.

Connell also said he is pleased Bianchi has vowed to make Leona Avenue, Moun tain Drive and other streets in rough shape, a priority a year from now.

"Leona and Mountain are in deplorable shape, but we have top share the wealth throughout the city," he said.

Bianchi urged city residents waiting for their street to be done to be patient.

"We want people to know road work is an ongoing process in Pittsfield," Bianchi added, "[But] the need for street work outweighs the money that the city has available."

City officials noted that parking on both sides of streets under construction will be temporarily restricted at times during road work. Although the streets will remain open, motorists are advised to seek alternative routes during construction as temporary delays will be unavoidable.

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